| caption: |
Austin and Ogle leave; peace ceremony between Kumhous and Manipuris; visit from Jubraj trying to delay departure; visit to Rajah's fort |
| note: |
inaccurate spelling in the original text |
| text: |
15th March. Austin and Ogle left us this morning en route for Suchakamang as originally arranged. |
| text: |
About 10 a.m. I accompanied Colonel Thomson to witness the ceremony of peace being made between the Kumhous and the Manipuries, and a most interesting though barbarous ceremony it was. The formula of the oath declared that peace should now last between the two nations "until the sun rose in the west, until rivers flowed up hill, until hair grew on stones" etc., etc., and an unfortunate dog was cut in half as symbolical of the fate that was to befall that party who was the first to break the peace. |
| text: |
Received a visit this morning from the Jubraj (Heir apparent to the throne), who came accompanied by Thongal Major. They say all the coolies have not yet been got together and are very anxious that I should put of my departure for another day. However this would not do for I know what a Manipuri "tomorrow" means and so I have told them that as far as I am personally concerned I must start tomorrow leaving it for Thomson to do as he thinks fit. |
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At 2 p.m. I received a telegram from the Commissioner to the following effect: "From Government - just received - Butlers survey may proceed if no apprehension is entertained of Naga resistance - Mipu ordered to assist survey but to send no troops across watershed". |
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This telegram is dated 7th and was brought in by a special messenger who has taken eight days coming from Kachar. It is fortunate the delay has been of no consequence. |
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In the evening Thomson and I took a stroll round the Rajah's fort, or rather mud enclosure for it scarcely deserves the name of fort, and His Highness (being told we were there I suppose) came out and joined us and had a long chat and I was surprised to find what a really sensible fellow he was away from the baneful influence of his satellites. On wishing him goodbye he gave me a most hearty shake hands and the last words he said were "Remember I leave everything to you two Sahebs". |
